Volcano erupts in Eucador's Galapagos

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, Ecuador, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A volcano erupted off the coast of Ecuador in the nature reserve islands of the Galapagos Islands, known for its unique flora and fauna.

The 5,000-ft. Sierra Negra volcano began erupting during the weekend, El Comercio newspaper reported Monday.

Environmental officials were still assessing whether the blast affected the diverse plant and animal life on the Galapagos archipelago.

The eruption did not harm the human population dwelling on the islands some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, officials said.

The Galapagos were the inspiration for 19th century naturalist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.